We’re sharing profiles of members who have joined over the past year or so. If you haven’t gotten a chance to meet them in person yet, please keep an eye out for them and say hello!
St John’s music program has attracted many people to the congregation, including Arlan Sunnarborg. “A referral from a college acquaintance got me in the door,” says Arlan, “and the quality of the music and preaching, together with the friendly, welcoming people, convinced me that this is a community where I would feel comfortable, and where I could develop a sense of belonging.”
Arlan himself is a highly accomplished organist and choirmaster of over 40 years, having held noteworthy posts in New York, Montréal, Honolulu, and Atlanta. He once played the harp at a small, private reception for a Vice President of the United States. Advancing Parkinson’s Disease, however, required early retirement and an eventual relocation to St. Paul three years ago.
Arlan is a native of Minnesota, born in Duluth, the second of five children. He attended St. Olaf College majoring in music, and went on to gain a Doctor of Musical Arts from Manhattan School of Music.
St. John’s was a good fit for Arlan because he was “looking for a community that is open, affirming, compassionate, and kind…and that enjoys good congregational singing and fine choral and instrumental music.”
Aside from music, Arlan loves to chat about food and film, as well as growth and healing.
Welcome, Arlan!